A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Shopify Store in Spain.

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure in Spain
4. Step 2: Sign Up for Shopify and Choose a Plan
5. Step 3: Localise Your Store for the Spanish Market
6. Step 4: Set Up Payments for Spain
7. Step 5: Handle Shipping and Fulfilment
8. Step 6: Configure Legal Pages and Comply with Spanish Laws
9. Step 7: Add Products and Configure VAT
10. Step 8: Launch Your Store and Market It in Spain
11. Step 9: Track Your Metrics and Improve
12. Conclusion
13. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• Establishing a Shopify store in Spain involves choosing between registering as a freelancer or forming a limited company.
• Localization is crucial for connecting with Spanish customers, including language, currency, and trust elements.
• Effective marketing strategies and ongoing metric tracking are essential for the success of your online business.

Introduction

The digital marketplace has become an integral part of commerce in Spain, with an increasing number of entrepreneurs seizing the opportunity to sell online. Shopify, a leading ecommerce platform, offers a user-friendly way to set up and manage an online store. However, navigating the legal and practical aspects of launching a Shopify store in Spain requires careful planning and execution. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps to successfully establish your online presence in the Spanish market, from choosing a business structure to launching and marketing your store.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure in Spain

The first critical decision when setting up your Shopify store in Spain is selecting the right business structure. As a resident or entrepreneur, you generally have two options: registering as a freelancer (autónomo) or forming a limited company (Sociedad Limitada, or SL).

Here’s the Breakdown of Both Options:

Choosing to register as an Autónomo can streamline the process for solo entrepreneurs, particularly those just starting. The registration process is relatively straightforward and does not require share capital like the SL structure.

How to Register as an Autónomo:

1. Obtain a DNI/NIE number if you’re not a Spanish national.
2. Register with the Agencia Tributaria for tax obligations.
3. Enroll in Social Security (Seguridad Social) to pay monthly autónomo fees.
4. Select appropriate epígrafes (activity codes) for ecommerce activities.
5. Apply for a VAT number (IVA) if necessary.

Tip: If you are already registered in another EU country, you may not need a separate Spanish business to sell online; proper VAT setup allows cross-border sales.

Step 2: Sign Up for Shopify and Choose a Plan

Once the business structure is in place, the next step is to create your Shopify account. The platform now supports Spanish language and local payment gateways, making it more accessible for new users in Spain.

Shopify Plans Compared:

Starting with the Basic plan is advisable for newcomers, as it allows flexibility to scale later as your business grows. Shopify’s user interface is intuitive, enabling you to easily choose a theme, add products, and set up collections.

Step 3: Localise Your Store for the Spanish Market

Understanding the expectations of Spanish customers is essential for building a successful online store. Localization encompasses language, currency, and trust elements that resonate with local shoppers.

Language

Utilizing the Translate & Adapt app ensures all store content is available in Spanish. Additionally, Shopify allows for direct editing of page content to enhance local relevance.

Currency

Setting your store currency to EUR is necessary, as this is the standard in Spain. Ensuring that invoices and checkout totals accurately reflect VAT is also crucial for compliance.

Trust Elements

Building consumer trust can be facilitated through various elements:

• Incorporate a reseñas (reviews) widget to showcase customer feedback.
• Clearly display shipping times in Spanish.
• Use trust badges such as "Pago Seguro" and "Devoluciones Gratis" to reassure potential buyers.

⚠️ Note: Spanish consumers tend to be cautious of unfamiliar brands. Creating a local and trustworthy online presence from the start is vital.

Step 4: Set Up Payments for Spain

Shopify Payments is fully operational in Spain, allowing merchants to accept major credit and debit cards seamlessly. This feature simplifies payment processing without needing to rely on third-party services like Stripe.

Payment Methods to Enable:

• Credit/Debit Cards (via Shopify Payments)
• PayPal
• Bizum (through MONEI, a Spanish payment gateway)
• Klarna for split payments, which is gaining popularity among younger shoppers

Observing payment preferences can inform your strategy; younger demographics often lean towards Bizum or PayPal, while older consumers may prefer traditional card payments.

Step 5: Handle Shipping and Fulfilment

Shipping logistics in Spain are relatively straightforward due to Shopify’s integration with various local carriers.

Carriers Integrated:

Using Packlink PRO can help compare carrier options and automate shipping label generation. For dropshipping, consider integrating with tools like DSers for AliExpress or Spocket for EU-based suppliers to ensure quick delivery.

Step 6: Configure Legal Pages and Comply with Spanish Laws

Ecommerce regulations in Spain are strict, primarily concerning consumer rights and data protection under GDPR. Compliance requires setting up several legal aspects.

Legal Requirements:

• ✅ Cookie Banner (implementing GDPR Legal Cookie)
• ✅ Terms and Conditions
• ✅ Privacy Policy compliant with GDPR
• ✅ Return Policy with a 14-day cancellation window
• ✅ Invoices that include VAT breakdowns

Shopify simplifies the addition of legal pages through its dashboard. Consulting a Spanish legal template provider is advisable to ensure all language and formatting are correct.

Step 7: Add Products and Configure VAT

With the foundational elements established, the next step is to populate your store with products. Choosing a niche can significantly influence success; for instance, sustainable home decor is a rapidly growing market in Spain.

Product Setup:

For each product, ensure to:

• Include a Spanish title and description.
• Upload high-quality images that attract buyers.
• Add IVA to the price, as Shopify accommodates VAT in product pricing for EU stores.

Tip: Utilize HS codes for products, especially if importing or dropshipping, to avoid potential customs complications.

Step 8: Launch Your Store and Market It in Spain

Bringing your store online marks an exciting milestone, yet marketing is essential for driving traffic and sales.

My Marketing Stack:

• Google Shopping Ads to target product-related searches.
• Instagram + TikTok Ads for engaging video content, popular among Spanish audiences.
• Influencer Campaigns partnering with Spanish micro-influencers to expand reach.
• WhatsApp Broadcasts via Shopify apps like Tobi or Recart for direct consumer engagement.
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focused on Spanish keywords to enhance visibility.

Additionally, listing your store on local directories and platforms like Facebook Marketplace Spain can help gain initial traction.

Step 9: Track Your Metrics and Improve

Post-launch, monitoring key performance metrics is crucial for ongoing success. Regularly checking these metrics can inform adjustments and improvements.

Key Metrics to Track:

Using tools like Klaviyo for abandoned cart emails and Lucky Orange for tracking visitor behavior can provide valuable insights into customer interactions.

Conclusion

Establishing a Shopify store in Spain presents a substantial opportunity for entrepreneurs eager to tap into the growing online market. However, success hinges on careful planning and execution across various facets, from legal compliance and localization to effective marketing strategies. By following these steps, aspiring online business owners can create a vibrant and successful ecommerce presence in Spain.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to set up a Spanish business to sell to customers in Spain?
A: If you are registered in another EU country, you may not need a separate Spanish business, provided you have the correct VAT setup.

Q: What payment methods should I offer?
A: It is advisable to offer a mix of payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, PayPal, Bizum, and Klarna, to accommodate different customer preferences.

Q: How can I effectively market my Shopify store in Spain?
A: Utilize a combination of Google Ads, social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and local listings to drive traffic to your store.

Q: What legal requirements must I comply with when selling online in Spain?
A: Ensure you have a cookie banner, terms and conditions, a privacy policy, a return policy, and invoices that include VAT breakdowns to comply with Spanish ecommerce laws.